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Title 20 — Education

Part D · Chapter 28 — Higher Education Resources and Student Assistance

§ 1087d. Agreements with institutions

Statutory text

(a)

Participation agreements

An agreement with any institution of higher education for participation in the direct student loan program under this part shall—

(1)

provide for the establishment and maintenance of a direct student loan program at the institution under which the institution will—

(A)

identify eligible students who seek student financial assistance at such institution in accordance with section 1091 of this title;

(B)

estimate the need of each such student as required by part F of this subchapter for an academic year, except that, any loan obtained by a student under this part with the same terms as loans made under section 1078–8 of this title (except as otherwise provided in this part), or a loan obtained by a parent under this part with the same terms as loans made under section 1078–2 of this title (except as otherwise provided in this part), or obtained under any State-sponsored or private loan program, may be used to offset the student aid index of the student for that year;

(C)

provide a statement that certifies the eligibility of any student to receive a loan under this part that is not in excess of the annual or aggregate limit applicable to such loan, except that the institution may, in exceptional circumstances identified by the Secretary, refuse to certify a statement that permits a student to receive a loan under this part, or certify a loan amount that is less than the student’s determination of need (as determined under part F of this subchapter), if the reason for such action is documented and provided in written form to such student;

(D)

set forth a schedule for disbursement of the proceeds of the loan in installments, consistent with the requirements of section 1078–7 of this title; and

(E)

provide timely and accurate information—

(i)

concerning the status of student borrowers (and students on whose behalf parents borrow under this part) while such students are in attendance at the institution and concerning any new information of which the institution becomes aware for such students (or their parents) after such borrowers leave the institution, to the Secretary for the servicing and collecting of loans made under this part; and

(ii)

if the institution does not have an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (b), concerning student eligibility and need, as determined under subparagraphs (A) and (B), to the Secretary as needed for the alternative origination of loans to eligible students and parents in accordance with this part;

(2)

provide assurances that the institution will comply with requirements established by the Secretary relating to student loan information with respect to loans made under this part;

(3)

provide that the institution accepts responsibility and financial liability stemming from its failure to perform its functions pursuant to the agreement;

(4)

provide for the implementation of a quality assurance system, as established by the Secretary and developed in consultation with institutions of higher education, to ensure that the institution is complying with program requirements and meeting program objectives;

(5)

provide that the institution will not charge any fees of any kind, however described, to student or parent borrowers for origination activities or the provision of any information necessary for a student or parent to receive a loan under this part, or any benefits associated with such loan;

(6)

provide assurances that, beginning , the institution will comply with all requirements of subsection (c); and

(7)

include such other provisions as the Secretary determines are necessary to protect the interests of the United States and to promote the purposes of this part.

(b)

Origination

An agreement with any institution of higher education, or consortia thereof, for the origination of loans under this part shall—

(1)

supplement the agreement entered into in accordance with subsection (a);

(2)

include provisions established by the Secretary that are similar to the participation agreement provisions described in paragraphs (1)(E)(ii), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) of subsection (a), as modified to relate to the origination of loans by the institution or consortium;

(3)

provide that the institution or consortium will originate loans to eligible students and parents in accordance with this part; and

(4)

provide that the note or evidence of obligation on the loan shall be the property of the Secretary.

(c)

Ineligibility for certain programs based on low earning outcomes

(1)

In general

Notwithstanding section 1088(b) of this title, an institution of higher education subject to this subsection shall not use funds under this part for student enrollment in an educational program offered by the institution that is described in paragraph (2).

(2)

Low-earning outcome programs described

An educational program at an institution is described in this paragraph if the program awards an undergraduate degree, graduate or professional degree, or graduate certificate, for which the median earnings (as determined by the Secretary) of the programmatic cohort of students who received funds under this subchapter for enrollment in such program, who completed such program during the academic year that is 4 years before the year of the determination, who are not enrolled in any institution of higher education, and who are working, are, for not less than 2 of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of the determination, less than the median earnings of a working adult described in paragraph (3) for the corresponding year.

(3)

Calculation of median earnings

(A)

Working adult

For purposes of applying paragraph (2) to an educational program at an institution, a working adult described in this paragraph is a working adult who, for the corresponding year—

(i)

is aged 25 to 34;

(ii)

is not enrolled in an institution of higher education; and

(iii)
(I)

in the case of a determination made for an educational program that awards a baccalaureate or lesser degree, has only a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent; or

(II)

in the case of a determination made for a graduate or professional program, has only a baccalaureate degree.

(B)

Source of data

For purposes of applying paragraph (2) to an educational program at an institution, the median earnings of a working adult, as described in subparagraph (A), shall be based on data from the Bureau of the Census—

(i)

with respect to an educational program that awards a baccalaureate or lesser degree—

(I)

for the State in which the institution is located; or

(II)

if fewer than 50 percent of the students enrolled in the institution reside in the State where the institution is located, for the entire United States; and

(ii)

with respect to an educational program that is a graduate or professional program—

(I)

for the lowest median earnings of—

(aa)

a working adult in the State in which the institution is located;

(bb)

a working adult in the same field of study (as determined by the Secretary, such as by using the 2-digit CIP code) in the State in which the institution is located; and

(cc)

a working adult in the same field of study (as so determined) in the entire United States; or

(II)

if fewer than 50 percent of the students enrolled in the institution reside in the State where the institution is located, for the lower median earnings of—

(aa)

a working adult in the entire United States; or

(bb)

a working adult in the same field of study (as so determined) in the entire United States.

(4)

Small programmatic cohorts

For any year for which the programmatic cohort described in paragraph (2) for an educational program of an institution is fewer than 30 individuals, the Secretary shall—

(A)

first, aggregate additional years of programmatic data in order to achieve a cohort of at least 30 individuals; and

(B)

second, in cases in which the cohort (including the individuals added under subparagraph (A)) is still fewer than 30 individuals, aggregate additional cohort years of programmatic data for educational programs of equivalent length in order to achieve a cohort of at least 30 individuals.

(5)

Appeals process

An educational program shall not lose eligibility under this subsection unless the institution has had the opportunity to appeal the programmatic median earnings of students working and not enrolled determination under paragraph (2), through a process established by the Secretary. During such appeal, the Secretary may permit the educational program to continue to participate in the program under this part.

(6)

Notice to students

(A)

In general

If an educational program of an institution of higher education subject to this subsection does not meet the cohort median earning requirements, as described in paragraph (2), for one year during the applicable covered period but has not yet failed to meet such requirements for 2 years during such covered period, the institution shall promptly inform each student enrolled in the educational program of the eligible program’s low cohort median earnings and that the educational program is at risk of losing its eligibility for funds under this part.

(B)

Covered period

In this paragraph, the term “covered period” means the period of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of a determination made under paragraph (2).

(7)

Regaining programmatic eligibility

The Secretary shall establish a process by which an institution of higher education that has an educational program that has lost eligibility under this subsection may, after a period of not less than 2 years of such program’s ineligibility, apply to regain such eligibility, subject to the requirements established by the Secretary that further the purpose of this subsection.

(d)

Withdrawal and termination procedures

The Secretary shall establish procedures by which institutions or consortia may withdraw or be terminated from the program under this part.

Legislative history

Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.

  1. Higher Education Act of 1965

    Pub. L. 89–329 title IV § 454 · 79 Stat. 1219

    Enacted · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d

    Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 454, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, § 404, Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1438

    Source evidence

    Code source credit
    Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 454, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, § 404, Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1438

  2. Higher Education Technical Amendments Act of 1987

    Pub. L. 100–50 § 12 · 101 Stat. 335

    Added · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(a)(4)

    Pub. L. 100–50 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: “The interest rate on all such loans shall be the rate equal to the rate obtained for each calendar year (A) by computing the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such 3-month period preceding such year, and (B) by adding 3 percent to the resulting percent.”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 100–50 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: “The interest rate on all such loans shall be the rate equal to the rate obtained for each calendar year (A) by computing the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such 3-month period preceding such year, and (B) by adding 3 percent to the resulting percent.”

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    SEC. 12. INCOME CONTINGENT LOAN DEMONSTRATION. 20 USC 1087d. Section 454(a)(4) of the Act is amended to read as follows: “(4) (A) The interest rate on loans under this part shall, at the discretion of the participating institution, be (i) computed in accordance with subparagraph (B) based on the interest rate computed for the calendar year in which the loan was made, and fixed over the life of the loan, or (ii) variable each calendar year based on the interest rate computed in accordance with subparagraph (B) for such calendar year. “(B) The interest rate applicable on such loans in accordance with subparagraph (A) shall be obtained by— “(i) computing the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for the 3-month period ending September 30 preceding such year; and “(ii) by adding 3 percent to the resulting percent.”.

  3. Higher Education Amendments of 1992

    Pub. L. 102–325 title IV § 451 · 106 Stat. 448

    1. Amended · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d

      Pub. L. 102–325 amended section generally

    2. Substituted · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d

      Pub. L. 102–325 substituting provisions relating to requirements of agreements for former provisions relating to terms of loans under pilot program

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 102–325 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to requirements of agreements for former provisions relating to terms of loans under pilot program.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    SEC. 451. ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM. Part D of title IV of the Act (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.) is amended to read as follows: “PART D— FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM “SEC. 451. PROGRAM AND PAYMENT AUTHORITY. “(a) Program Authority.— The Secretary shall, in accordance with the provisions of this part, carry out a loan demonstration program for qualified students and parents at selected institutions of higher education to enable the students to pursue their courses of study at such institutions during the period beginning on July 1, 1994 and ending on June 30, 1998. “(b) Payment Authority.— “(1) General authority.— The Secretary shall make payments under this part for any fiscal year to institutions of higher education having an agreement under section 454, on the basis of the estimated needs of students at each institution and parents for student or parent loans, taking into consideration the demand and eligibility of such students and parents for loans under this part. “(2) Entitlement provision.— An institution of higher education which has an agreement with the Secretary under section 454 shall be deemed to have a contractual right against the United States to receive payments according to that agreement. “SEC. 452. PAYMENT RULES. “(a) In General.— The Secretary shall make payments required by section 451 in such installments as the Secretary determines— “(1) reflect accurately the disbursement of funds for student and parent loans by the institution of higher education, and “(2) will best carry out the objectives of this part. “(b) Initial Payments.— The initial payments for any academic year required by section 451 shall be made available to each institution of higher education not later than 10 days prior to the beginning of the academic year at such institution. “SEC. 453. SELECTION BY THE SECRETARY. “(a) Entry Requirement.— The Secretary shall enter into agreements with institutions of higher education, at which the total loan volume under the Federal Stafford Loan program, the Federal Supplemental Loans for Students program, and the Federal PLUS loan program was $500,000,000 in the most recent year for which data is available, to participate in the loan demonstration program to make loans for the period beginning with the academic year beginning on July 1, 1994, and ending with loans made before June 30, 1998. Such agreements shall be concluded not later than January 1, 1994. “(b) Selection Criteria.— The Secretary shall enter into agreements with institutions of higher education which represent a cross-section of all institutions of higher education participating in part B of this title in terms of control of the institution, length of academic program, highest degree offered, size of student enrollment, percentage of students borrowing under part B, geographic location, annual loan volume, default experience and composition of the student body. “(c) Preference for Applying Institutions.— In constituting the cross-section of institutions of higher education required by the previous subsection, the Secretary shall first enter into agreements, to the maximum extent possible consistent with the requirements of constituting the cross-section, with institutions of higher education which apply to participate in the loan demonstration program. Institutions of higher education desiring to participate m the demonstration shall submit an application containing such information as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe. “(d) Designation of Additional institutions.— If an insufficient number of institutions of higher education apply and satisfy the conditions provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Secretary shall designate additional institutions of higher education from among those eligible to participate in part B to participate in the loan demonstration program in order to satisfy the conditions provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. An institution of higher education designated by the Secretary pursuant to this subsection may decline to participate in the loan demonstration program for good cause pursuant to regulations established by the Secretary. “(e) Limitation.— The Secretary shall ensure that the annual loan volume under the Federal Stafford Loan program, the Federal Supplemental Loans for Students program, and the Federal Plus loan program at the institutions of higher education with which the Secretary enters into agreements under this part, in the most recent fiscal year for which data are available, represents not more than 15 percent of the loan guarantees of any guaranty agency under such programs and the Secretary shall determine that such guaranty agency will remain financially sound. “(f) Selection of Subgroup to Test Income Contingent Repayment.— “(1) Selection.— Within the institutions of higher education selected or designated to participate in the loan demonstration program under this part, the Secretary shall select 35 percent of such institutions to offer income contingent repayment methods in accordance with section 454(6). “(2) Finding Required.— The Secretary shall not select institutions to offer such repayment methods unless the Secretary publishes a finding that— “(A) the Secretary has established a collection mechanism that will provide a high degree of certainty that collections will be made in accordance with the repayment option; and “(B) the use of such repayment option and collection mechanism will result in an increase in the net amount the Government will collect. “(g) Consortia.— Institutions of higher education may apply to participate in the program pursuant to subsection (c) as consortia. The Secretary shall consider the members of the consortia as individual institutions for the purposes of subsection (b). Institutions of higher education selected by the Secretary to participate in the program may also enter into consortia for the purpose of carrying out the agreement required by section 454. “SEC. 464. AGREEMENT REQUIRED. “An agreement with any institution of higher education for participation in the loan demonstration program shall— “(1) provide for the establishment and maintenance of a loan demonstration program at the institution of higher education under which— “(A) the institution of higher education will identify eligible students who seek student financial assistance at such institution, in accordance with section 484; “(B) the institution of higher education will estimate the need of each such student as required by part F; “(C) the institution of higher education will originate loans to such eligible students and eligible parents in accordance with this part, and will not charge any administrative fees to such students or parents for such origination activities; “(D) the institution of higher education will provide timely information concerning the status of student and parent borrowers to the contractor or contractors responsible for loan collection pursuant to section 457; and “(E) the institution of higher education will participate in the loan demonstration program for its duration, subject to procedures for withdrawal established by section 455; “(2) provide assurances that the institution of higher education will comply with the provisions of section 463A, relating to student loan information, with respect to loans made under this part; “(3) provide that the note or evidence of obligation on the loan shall be the property of the Secretary and that the institution of higher education will act as the agent of the Secretary for the purpose of making loans under the loan demonstration program; “(4) provide that the institution of higher education will accept responsibility and liability stemming from its failure to perform its functions pursuant to the agreement; “(5) provide that students at the institution of higher education and their parents (with respect to such students) will not be eligible to participate in the Federal Stafford Loan program, the Federal Supplemental Loans to Students program, or the Federal Plus loan program for the period during which such institution participates in the loan demonstration program; “(6) in the case of the institutions selected by the Secretary pursuant to section 453(f), include such terms and conditions as the Secretary may require by regulation for testing income contingent repayment methods, which shall include— “(A) requiring such institutions to offer the option of income contingent repayment, based on an annual review of the borrowers Federal income tax return, to any student who applies for a loan under this part; “(B) the additional or different terms and conditions to be included in the notes or other agreements entered into by the borrower, as required by such regulations, including provisions with respect to the disclosure by the borrower of subsequent income; “(C) providing for the discharge of loans after not more than 25 years of income contingent repayment; and “(D) such data and reporting requirements and such other provisions as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out the purposes of section 458(d)(2) and to the protection of the Federal fiscal interest; and “(7) include such other provisions as may be necessary to protect the financial interest of the United States and to promote the purposes of this part. “SEC. 455. WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION PROCEDURES. “The Secretary shall establish by regulation procedures which enable institutions of higher education who have made agreements with the Secretary pursuant to section 454 to withdraw or to be terminated from the loan demonstration program. “SEC. 456. TERMS AND CONDITIONS. “Unless otherwise specified in this part, the loans made under this part shall have the same terms, conditions, and benefits as loans made under sections 428, 428A, and 428B of this title. Any loan made under this part shall be eligible for consolidation under section 428C of part B of this title. “SEC. 457. LOAN COLLECTION FUNCTIONS UNDER COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS. “(a) In General.— The Secretary shall provide, through contracts awarded on a competitive basis, for— “(1) the collection of principal and interest on loans made under this part by not less than 5 contracts, at least one of which shall be for servicing loans that are subject to income contingent repayment; “(2) the collection of defaulted loans made under this part; “(3) the establishment and operation of a central data system for the maintenance of records on all loans made under this part; “(4) programs for default prevention; and “(5) such other programs as the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure the success of the loan demonstration program. “(b) Servicing for Income Contingent Loans.— The Secretary shall, through contract, ensure the availability of servicing of loans made pursuant to section 454(6) at a cost comparable to that available for loans under part B of this title (that are not subject to income contingent repayment). “(c) Information on Income Contingent Loans.— The Secretary shall acquire such information as is necessary regarding the adjusted gross income of borrowers (under this part and under part B) of loans that are subject to income contingent repayment for the purpose of determining the annual repayment obligations of such borrowers. The Secretary, not less often than once per year, shall provide to the servicer, lender, or holder of a loan under this part the Secretary’s determination of the borrower’s repayment obligation on that loan for such year. “SEC. 458. REPORTS. “(a) Annual Reports.— The Secretary shall submit to the Congress not later than July 1, 1993, and each July 1 for the 5 succeeding years an annual report describing the progress and status of the loan demonstration program. “(b) Interim Final Report.— The Comptroller General shall submit to the Congress not later than January 1, 1997, an interim final report evaluating the experience of the Department of Education, the participating institutions of higher education, students, and parents with respect to the loan demonstration program. The report shall include— “(1) the administrative costs, including costs per loan, incurred by participating institutions of higher education in administering the loan demonstration program; “(2) the administrative costs, including costs per loan, incurred by the Department of Education and its contractors in carrying out its responsibilities, including the costs of origination, data systems, servicing, and collection; “(3) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the loan demonstration program in providing services to students and parents, including loan application, loan origination, student financial aid packaging, tracking of student status, responsiveness to student inquiries and processing of deferments, forbearances, and repayments; “(4) the frequency and cost of borrower delinquency and default under the loan demonstration program and losses incurred by institutions of higher education and servicers, including losses caused by improper origination or servicing of loans; “(5) the timeliness of capital availability to institutions of higher education and of loans to students and parents and the cost of loan capital; “(6) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the income contingent repayment option; “(7) a comparison of the experience of institutions of higher education, students, and parents participating in loan demonstration program with the experience of institutions, students, and parents in the control group described in subsection (d) with respect to the subjects indicated in paragraphs (1) through (6) of this subsection; “(8) an evaluation of the administrative performance of the Department; “(9) an analysis of the reasons institutions selected by the Secretary pursuant to section 453(d) chose not to participate and the reasons institutions withdrew or were terminated pursuant to section 455; “(10) an analysis of the experience of borrowers with loans under both this part and part B and recommendations for the most effective repayment procedures for such borrowers; “(11) a comparison of the cost of loan capital for loans for the loan demonstration program with the cost of loan capital for the comparable programs in part B of this title; “(12) an analysis, where practicable, of the experience of institutions which participate as part of a consortia; and “(13) recommendations for modifications, continuation, expansion, suspension, or termination of the loan demonstration pro-gram or replacement of all or some of the programs authorized by part B. “(c) Final Report.— The Comptroller General shall submit to the Congress not later than May 1, 1998, a final report evaluating the experience of the Department of Education, the participating institutions of higher education, and students with respect to the loan demonstration program. The report shall include the same matters provided for in subsection (b) of this section. “(d) Control Group.— “(1) Regular repayment.— To assist the Comptroller General in preparing the reports required by subsections (b)(6) and (c) of this section, the Secretary shall select a control group of institutions of higher education, which represent a cross-section of all institutions of higher education participating in part B of this title and which is comparable to the cross-section of institutions of higher education selected for participation in the loan demonstration program pursuant to section 453. The Secretary shall select the control groups in the same manner, pursuant to section 453, that the institutions of higher education are selected to participate in the demonstration program. “(2) Income contingent repayment.— If the Secretary makes a selection of institutions to test income contingent repayment methods in accordance with section 453(f), the Secretary shall, within the control group selected under paragraph (1), identify a group of institutions to serve as a control group for comparison with the institutions offering income contingent loans under this part pursuant to section 454(6). The institutions selected for the control group under this paragraph shall represent a reasonable cross section of the institutions selected under paragraph (1). The Secretary shall publish a list of the institutions that are so selected. Any eligible lender of a loan to a student for attendance at any such institution shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, offer such students the option of repaying such loans on an income contingent basis consistent with such regulations. “(3) Income contingent terms and conditions.— The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish the terms and conditions for loans that are subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection. Such terms and conditions shall, to the extent practicable, be the same as the terms and conditions of loans made pursuant to section 454(6). The Secretary is authorized to enter into such agreements (and amendments to agreements) under part B of this title as may be necessary to carry out paragraph (2) and this paragraph. “(e) Treatment of Costs.— In reporting with respect to costs in the reports required by subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Comptroller General shall report separately the nonrecurrent costs such as start-up costs associated with the loan demonstration program, the administrative costs incurred by institutions of higher education in providing information to enable the Comptroller General to prepare the reports required by subsections (b) and (c) of this section and the normal costs of operating the loan demonstration program. “SEC. 459. SCHEDULE OF REGULATORY ACTIVITIES BY THE SECRETARY. “(a) Proposed Regulations.— The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register not later than April 1, 1993, all proposed regulations for carrying out the program established by this part, including regulations with respect to— “(1) payments to institutions of higher education; “(2) the selection of institutions of higher education to participate in the loan demonstration program; “(3) application by institutions of higher education to participate in the loan demonstration program; “(4) agreements between the Secretary and institutions of higher education participating in the loan demonstration program; “(5) procedures with respect to the withdrawal and termination of institutions of higher education from the loan demonstration program; and “(6) procedures by which institutions designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 453(d) may decline to participate in the loan demonstration program. “(b) Final Regulations.— The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register not later than July 1, 1993, all final regulations for carrying out the program established by this part, including regulations with respect to the same matters provided for in subsection (a) of this section. “(c) Closing Date for Applications From Institutions.— The Secretary shall establish October 1, 1993, as the closing date for receiving applications from institutions of higher education desiring to participate in the loan demonstration program pursuant to section 453(c). “(d) Publication of List of Participating Institutions and Control Group.— Not later than January 1, 1994, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of the institutions of higher education selected to participate in the loan demonstration program pursuant to section 453 and a list of the institutions of higher education in the control group required by section 458(d). “(e) Procurement Contracts.— The Secretary shall award contracts pursuant to section 457 not later than February 1, 1994. “SEC. 459A. FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. “Each fiscal year, there shall be available to the Secretary of Education from funds not otherwise appropriated, funds to be obligated for administrative costs under this part, not to exceed $10,000,000 in fiscal year 1993, $17,000,000 in fiscal year 1994, $37,000,000 in fiscal year 1995, $54,000,000 in fiscal year 1996, and $65,000,000 in fiscal year 1997.”.

  4. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993

    Pub. L. 103–66 title IV § 4021 · 107 Stat. 312

    1. Amended · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d

      Pub. L. 103–66 amended section generally

    2. Substituted · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d

      Pub. L. 103–66 substituting provisions relating to agreements with institutions, consisting of subsecs. (a) to (c), for former provisions relating to requirements of agreements, consisting of pars. (1) to (7)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 103–66 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to agreements with institutions, consisting of subsecs. (a) to (c), for former provisions relating to requirements of agreements, consisting of pars. (1) to (7).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    SEC. 4021. FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM. Part D of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1087a) is amended to read as follows: “PART D— FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM “SEC. 451. PROGRAM AUTHORITY. There are hereby made available, in accordance with the provisions of this part, such sums as may be necessary to make loans to all eligible students (and the eligible parents of such students) in attendance at participating institutions of higher education selected by the Secretary, to enable such students to pursue their courses of study at such institutions during the period beginning July 1, 1994. Such loans shall be made by participating institutions, or consortia thereof, that have agreements with the Secretary to originate loans, or by alternative originators designated by the Secretary to make loans for students in attendance at participating institutions (and their parents). “SEC. 452. FUNDS FOR ORIGINATION OF DIRECT STUDENT LOANS. “(a) In General.— The Secretary shall provide, on the basis of the need and the eligibility of students at each participating institution, and parents of such students, for such loans, funds for student and parent loans under this part— “(1) directly to an institution of higher education that has an agreement with the Secretary under section 454(a) to participate in the direct student loan programs under this part and that also has an agreement with the Secretary under section 454(b) to originate loans under this part; or “(2) through an alternative originator designated by the Secretary to students (and parents of students) attending institutions of higher education that have an agreement with the Secretary under section 454(a) but that do not have an agreement with the Secretary under section 454(b). “(b) Fees for Origination Services.— “(1) Fees for institutions.— The Secretary shall pay fees to institutions of higher education (or a consortium of such institutions) with agreements under section 454(b), in an amount established by the Secretary, to assist in meeting the costs of loan origination. Such fees— “(A) shall be paid by the Secretary based on all the loans made under this part to a particular borrower in the same academic year; “(B) shall be subject to a sliding scale that decreases the per borrower amount of such fees as the number of borrowers increases; and “(C) (i) for academic year 1994–1995, shall not exceed a program-wide average of $10 per borrower for all the loans made under this part to such borrower in the same academic year, and “(ii) for succeeding academic years, shall not exceed such average fee as the Secretary shall establish pursuant to regulations. “(2) Fees for alternative originators.— The Secretary shall pay fees for loan origination services to alternative originators of loans made under this part in an amount established by the Secretary in accordance with the terms of the contract described in section 456(b) between the Secretary and each such alternative originator. “(c) No Entitlement To Participate or Originate.— No institution of higher education shall have a right to participate in the programs authorized by this part, to originate loans, or to perform any program function under this part. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed so as to limit the entitlement of an eligible student attending a participating institution (or the eligible parent of such student) to borrow under this part. “(d) Delivery of Loan Funds.— Loan funds shall be paid and delivered to an institution by the Secretary prior to the beginning of the payment period established by the Secretary in a manner that is consistent with payment and delivery of basic grants under subpart 1 of part A of this title. “SEC. 453. SELECTION OF INSTITUTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION AND ORIGINATION. “(a) Phase-In of Program.— “(1) Contracts. General authority.— The Secretary shall enter into agreements pursuant to section 454(a) with institutions of higher education to participate in the direct student loan program under this part, and agreements pursuant to section 454(b) with institutions of higher education, or consortia thereof, to originate loans in such program, for academic years beginning on or after July 1, 1994. Alternative origination services, through which an entity other than the participating institution at which the student is in attendance originates the loan, shall be provided by the Secretary, through 1 or more contracts under section 456(b) or such other means as the Secretary may provide, for students attending participating institutions that do not originate direct student loans under this part. Such agreements for the academic year 1994–1995 shall, to the extent feasible, be entered into not later than January 1, 1994. “(2) Transition provisions.— In order to ensure an expeditious but orderly transition from the loan programs under part B of this title to the direct student loan program under this part, the Secretary shall, in the exercise of the Secretary’s discretion, determine the number of institutions with which the Secretary shall enter into agreements under subsections (a) and (b) of section 454 for any academic year, except that the Secretary shall exercise such discretion so as to achieve the following goals: “(A) for academic year 1994–1995, loans made under this part shall represent 5 percent of the new student loan volume for such year; “(B) for academic year 1995–1996, loans made under this part shall represent 40 percent of the new student loan volume for such year; “(C) for academic years 1996–1997 and 1997–1998, loans made under this part shall represent 50 percent of the new student loan volume for such years; and “(D) for the academic year that begins in fiscal year 1998, loans made under this part shall represent 60 percent of the new student loan volume for such year. “(3) Exception.— The Secretary may exceed the percentage goals described in subparagraphs (C) or (D) of paragraph (2) if the Secretary determines that a higher percentage is warranted by the number of institutions of higher education that desire to participate in the program under this part and that meet the eligibility requirements for such participation. “(4) New student loan volume.— For the purpose of this subsection, the term ‘new student loan volume’ means the estimated sum of all loans (other than consolidation loans) that will be made, insured or guaranteed under this part and part B in the year for which the determination is made. The Secretary shall base the estimate described in the preceding sentence on the most recent program data available. “(b) Selection Criteria.— “(1) Application.— Each institution of higher education desiring to participate in the direct student loan program under this part shall submit an application satisfactory to the Secretary containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. “(2) Selection procedure.— The Secretary shall select Contracts. institutions for participation in the direct student loan program under this part, and shall enter into agreements with such institutions under section 454(a), from among those institutions that submit the applications described in paragraph (1), and meet such other eligibility requirements as the Secretary shall prescribe, by, to the extent possible— “(A) (i) categorizing such institutions according to anticipated loan volume, length of academic program, control of the institution, highest degree offered, size of student enrollment, geographic location, annual loan volume, and default experience; and “(ii) beginning in academic year 1995–1996 selecting institutions that are reasonably representative of each of the categories described pursuant to clause (i); and “(B) if the Secretary determines it necessary to carry out the purposes of this part, selecting additional institutions. “(c) Selection Criteria for Origination.— “(1) In general.— The Secretary may enter into a supplemental agreement with an institution (or a consortium of such institutions) that— “(A) has an agreement under subsection 454(a); “(B) desires to originate loans under this part; and “(C) meets the criteria described in paragraph (2). “(2) Transition selection criteria.— For academic year 1994–1995, the Secretary may approve an institution to originate loans only if such institution— “(A) made loans under part E of this title in academic year 1993–1994 and did not exceed the applicable maximum default rate under section 462(g) for the most recent fiscal year for which data are available; “(B) is not on the reimbursement system of payment for any of the programs under subpart 1 or 3 of part A, part C, or part E of this title; “(C) is not overdue on program or financial reports or audits required under this title; “(D) is not subject to an emergency action, or a limitation, suspension, or termination under section 428(b)(1)(T), 432(h), or 487(c); “(E) in the opinion of the Secretary, has not had significant deficiencies identified by a State postsecondary review entity under subpart 1 of part H of this title; “(F) in the opinion of the Secretary, has not had severe performance deficiencies for any of the programs under this title, including such deficiencies demonstrated by audits or program reviews submitted or conducted during the 5 calendar years immediately preceding the date of application; “(G) provides an assurance that such institution has no delinquent outstanding debts to the Federal Government, unless such debts are being repaid under or in accordance with a repayment arrangement satisfactory to the Federal Government, or the Secretary in the Secretary’s discretion determines that the existence or amount of such debts has not been finally determined by the cognizant Federal agency; and “(H) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may establish to protect the financial interest of the United States and to promote the purposes of this part. “(3) Federal Register, publication. Regulations governing approval after transition.— For academic year 1995–1996 and subsequent academic years, the Secretary shall promulgate and publish in the Federal Register regulations governing the approval of institutions to originate loans under this part in accordance with section 457(a)(2). “(d) Eligible Institutions.— The Secretary may not select an institution of higher education for participation under this section unless such institution is an eligible institution under section 435(a). “(e) Consortia.— Subject to such requirements as the Secretary may prescribe, eligible institutions of higher education (as determined under subsection (d)) with agreements under section 454(a) may apply to the Secretary as consortia to originate loans under this part for students in attendance at such institutions. Each such institution shall be required to meet the requirements of subsection (c) with respect to loan origination. “SEC. 454. AGREEMENTS WITH INSTITUTIONS. “(a) Participation Agreements.— An agreement with any institution of higher education for participation in the direct student loan program under this part shall— “(1) provide for the establishment and maintenance of a direct student loan program at the institution under which the institution will— “(A) identify eligible students who seek student financial assistance at such institution in accordance with section 484; “(B) estimate the need of each such student as required by part F of this title for an academic year, except that, any loan obtained by a student under this part with the same terms as loans made under section 428H (except as otherwise provided in this part), or a loan obtained by a parent under this part with the same terms as loans made under section 428B (except as otherwise provided in this part), or obtained under any State-sponsored or private loan program, may be used to offset the expected family contribution of the student for that year; “(C) provide a statement that certifies the eligibility of any student to receive a loan under this part that is not in excess of the annual or aggregate limit applicable to such loan, except that the institution may, in exceptional circumstances identified by the Secretary, refuse to certify a statement that permits a student to receive a loan under this part, or certify a loan amount that is less than the student’s determination of need (as determined under part F of this title), if the reason for such action is documented and provided in written form to such student; “(D) set forth a schedule for disbursement of the proceeds of the loan in installments, consistent with the requirements of section 428G; and “(E) provide timely and accurate information— “(i) concerning the status of student borrowers (and students on whose behalf parents borrow under this part) while such students are in attendance at the institution and concerning any new information of which the institution becomes aware for such students (or their parents) after such borrowers leave the institution, to the Secretary for the servicing and collecting of loans made under this part; and “(ii) if the institution does not have an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (b), concerning student eligibility and need, as determined under subparagraphs (A) and (B), to the Secretary as needed for the alternative origination of loans to eligible students and parents in accordance with this part; “(2) provide assurances that the institution will comply with requirements established by the Secretary relating to student loan information with respect to loans made under this part; “(3) provide that the institution accepts responsibility and financial liability stemming from its failure to perform its functions pursuant to the agreement; “(4) provide that students at the institution and their parents (with respect to such students) will be eligible to partici-pate in the programs under part B of this title at the discretion of the Secretary for the period during which such institution participates in the direct student loan program under this part, except that a student or parent may not receive loans under both this part and part B for the same period of enrollment; “(5) provide for the implementation of a quality assurance system, as established by the Secretary and developed in consultation with institutions of higher education, to ensure that the institution is complying with program requirements and meeting program objectives; “(6) provide that the institution will not charge any fees of any kind, however described, to student or parent borrowers for origination activities or the provision of any information necessary for a student or parent to receive a loan under this part, or any benefits associated with such loan; and “(7) include such other provisions as the Secretary determines are necessary to protect the interests of the United States and to promote the purposes of this part. “(b) Origination.— An agreement with any institution of higher education, or consortia thereof, for the origination of loans under this part shall— “(1) supplement the agreement entered into in accordance with subsection (a); “(2) include provisions established by the Secretary that are similar to the participation agreement provisions described in paragraphs (1)(E)(ii), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) of subsection (a), as modified to relate to the origination of loans by the institution or consortium; “(3) provide that the institution or consortium will originate loans to eligible students and parents in accordance with this part; and “(4) provide that the note or evidence of obligation on the loan shall be the property of the Secretary. “(c) Withdrawal and Termination Procedures.— The Secretary shall establish procedures by which institutions or consortia may withdraw or be terminated from the program under this part. “SEC. 455. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LOANS. “(a) In General.— “(1) Parallel terms, conditions, benefits, and amounts.—Unless otherwise specified in this part, loans made to borrowers under this part shall have the same terms, conditions, and benefits, and be available in the same amounts, as loans made to borrowers under sections 428, 428B, and 428H of this title. “(2) Designation of loans.— Loans made to borrowers under this part that, except as otherwise specified in this part, have the same terms, conditions, and benefits as loans made to borrowers under— “(A) section 428 shall be known as ‘Federal Direct Stafford Loans’; “(B) section 428B shall be known as ‘Federal Direct PLUS Loans’; and “(C) section 428H shall be known as Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans’. “(b) Interest Rate.— “(1) Rates for fdsl and fdusl.— For Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1994, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to— “(A) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus “(B) 3.1 percent, except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent. “(2) In school and grace period rules.— (A) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), but subject to paragraph (3), with respect to any Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1995, the applicable rate of interest for interest which accrues— “(i) prior to the beginning of the repayment period of the loan; or “(ii) during the period in which principal need not be paid (whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by reason of a provision described in section 428(b)(1)(M) or 427(a)(2)(C), shall not exceed the rate determined under subparagraph (B). “(B) For the purpose of subparagraph (A), the rate determined under this subparagraph shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to— “(i) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned at the final auction prior to such June 1; plus “(ii) 2.5 percent, except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent. “(3) Out-year rule.— Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made on or after July 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to— “(A) the bond equivalent rate of the security with a comparable maturity as established by the Secretary; plus “(B) 1.0 percent, except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent. “(4) Rates for fdplus.— (A) For Federal Direct PLUS Loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 1994, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to— “(i) the bond equivalent rate of 52-week Treasury bills auctioned at final auction held prior to such June 1; plus “(ii) 3.1 percent, except that such rate shall not exceed 9 percent. “(B) For Federal Direct PLUS loans made on or after July 1, 1998, the applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be equal to— “(i) the bond equivalent rate of the security with a comparable maturity as established by the Secretary; plus “(ii) 2.1 percent, except that such rate shall not exceed 9 percent. “(5) Publication.— The Secretary shall determine the applicable rates of interest under this subsection after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of determination. “(c) Loan Fee.— The Secretary shall charge the borrower of a loan made under this part an origination fee of 4.0 percent of the principal amount of loan. “(d) Repayment Plans.— “(1) Design and selection.— Consistent with criteria established by the Secretary, the Secretary shall offer a borrower of a loan made under this part a variety of plans for repayment of such loan, including principal and interest on the loan. The borrower shall be entitled to accelerate, without penalty, repayment on the borrower’s loans under this part. The borrower may choose— “(A) a standard repayment plan, with a fixed annual repayment amount paid over a fixed period of time, consistent with subsection (a)(1) of this section; “(B) an extended repayment plan, with a fixed annual repayment amount paid over an extended period of time, except that the borrower shall annually repay a minimum amount determined by the Secretary in accordance with section 428(b)(1)(L); “(C) a graduated repayment plan, with annual repayment amounts established at 2 or more graduated levels and paid over a fixed or extended period of time, except that the borrower’s scheduled payments shall not be less than 50 percent, nor more than 150 percent, of what the amortized payment on the amount owed would be if the loan were repaid under the standard repayment plan; and “(D) an income contingent repayment plan, with varying annual repayment amounts based on the income of the borrower, paid over an extended period of time prescribed by the Secretary, not to exceed 25 years, except that the plan described in this subparagraph shall not be available to the borrower of a Federal Direct PLUS loan. “(2) Selection by secretary.— If a borrower of a loan made under this part does not select a repayment plan described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide the borrower with a repayment plan described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1). “(3) Changes in selections.— The borrower of a loan made under this part may change the borrower’s selection of a repayment plan under paragraph (1), or the Secretary’s selection of a plan for the borrower under paragraph (2), as the case may be, under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Secretary. “(4) Alternative repayment plans.— The Secretary may provide, on a case by case basis, an alternative repayment plan to a borrower of a loan made under this part who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the terms and conditions of the repayment plans available under paragraph (1) are not adequate to accommodate the borrower’s exceptional circumstances. In designing such alternative repayment plans, the Secretary shall ensure that such plans do not exceed the cost to the Federal Government, as determined on the basis of the present value of future payments by such borrowers, of loans made using the plans available under paragraph (1). “(5) Repayment after default.— The Secretary may require any borrower who has defaulted on a loan made under this part to— “(A) pay all reasonable collection costs associated with such loan; and “(B) repay the loan pursuant to an income contingent repayment plan. “(e) Income Contingent Repayment.— “(1) Information and procedures.— The Secretary may obtain such information as is reasonably necessary regarding the income of a borrower (and the borrower’s spouse, if applicable) of a loan made under this part that is, or may be, repaid pursuant to income contingent repayment, for the purpose of determining the annual repayment obligation of the borrower. Returns and return information (as defined in section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) may be obtained under the preceding sentence only to the extent authorized by section 6103(1)(13) of such Code. The Secretary shall establish procedures for determining the borrower’s repayment obligation on that loan for such year, and such other procedures as are necessary to implement effectively income contingent repayment. “(2) Repayment based on adjusted gross income.— A repayment schedule for a loan made under this part and repaid pursuant to income contingent repayment shall be based on the adjusted gross income (as defined in section 62 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of the borrower or, if the borrower is married and files a Federal income tax return jointly with the borrower’s spouse, on the adjusted gross income of the borrower and the borrower’s spouse. “(3) Additional documents.— A borrower who chooses, or is required, to repay a loan made under this part pursuant to income contingent repayment, and for whom adjusted gross income is unavailable or does not reasonably reflect the borrower’s current income, shall provide to the Secretary other documentation of income satisfactory to the Secretary, which documentation the Secretary may use to determine an appropriate repayment schedule. “(4) Repayment schedules.— Income contingent repayment Regulations. schedules shall be established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary and shall require payments that vary in relation to the appropriate portion or the annual income of the borrower (and the borrower’s spouse, if applicable) as determined by the Secretary. “(5) Calculation of balance due.— The balance due on a loan made under this part that is repaid pursuant to income contingent repayment shall equal the unpaid principal amount of the loan, any accrued interest, and any fees, such as late charges, assessed on such loan. The Secretary may promulgate regulations limiting the amount of interest that may be capitalized on such loan, and the timing of any such capitalization. “(6) Notification to borrowers.— The Secretary shall establish procedures under which a borrower of a loan made under this part who chooses or is required to repay such loan pursuant to income contingent repayment is notified of the terms and conditions of such plan, including notification of such borrower— “(A) that the Internal Revenue Service will disclose to the Secretary tax return information as authorized under section 6103(1)(13) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and “(B) that if a borrower considers that special circumstances, such as a loss of employment by the borrower or the borrower’s spouse, warrant an adjustment in the borrower’s loan repayment as determined using the information described in subparagraph (A), or the alternative documentation described in paragraph (3), the borrower may contact the Secretary, who shall determine whether such adjustment is appropriate, in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary. “(f) Deferment.— “(1) Effect on principal and interest.— A borrower of a loan made under this part who meets the requirements described in paragraph (2) shall be eligible for a deferment, during which periodic installments of principal need not be paid, and interest— “(A) shall not accrue, in the case of a— “(i) Federal Direct Stafford Loan; or “(ii) a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan that consolidated only Federal Direct Stafford Loans, or a combination of such loans and Federal Stafford Loans for which the student borrower received an interest subsidy under section 428; or “(B) shall accrue and be capitalized or paid by the borrower, in the case of a Federal Direct PLUS loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan not described in subparagraph (A)(ii). “(2) Eligibility.— A borrower of a loan made under this part shall be eligible for a deferment during any period— “(A) during which the borrower— “(i) is carrying at least one-half the normal full-time work load for the course of study that the borrower is pursuing, as determined by the eligible institution (as such term is defined in section 435(a)) the borrower is attending; or “(ii) is pursuing a course of study pursuant to a graduate fellowship program approved by the Secretary, or pursuant to a rehabilitation training program for individuals with disabilities approved by the Secretary, except that no borrower shall be eligible for a deferment under this subparagraph, or a loan made under this part (other than a Federal Direct PLUS Loan or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan), while serving in a medical internship or residency program; “(B) not in excess of 3 years during which the borrower is seeking and unable to find full-time employment; “(C) not in excess of 3 years during which the Secretary determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed under section 435(o), that the borrower has experienced or will experience an economic hardship. “(g) Federal Direct Consolidation Loans.— A borrower of a loan made under this part may consolidate such loan with the loans described in section 428C(a)(4) only under such terms and conditions as the Secretary shall establish pursuant to section 457(a)(1) or regulations promulgated under this part. Loans made under this subsection shall be known as ‘Federal Direct Consolidation Loans’. “(h) Borrower Defenses.— Notwithstanding any other provision Regulations. of State or Federal law, the Secretary shall specify in regulations (except as authorized under section 457(a)(1)) which acts or omissions of an institution of higher education a borrower may assert as a defense to repayment of a loan made under this part, except that in no event may a borrower recover from the Secretary, in any action arising from or relating to a loan made under this part, an amount in excess of the amount such borrower has repaid on such loan. “(i) Loan Application and Promissory Note.— The common financial reporting form required in section 483(a)(1) shall constitute the application for loans made under this part (other than a Federal Direct PLUS loan). The Secretary shall develop, print, and distribute to participating institutions a standard promissory note and loan disclosure form. “(j) Loan Disbursement.— “(1) In general.— Proceeds of loans to students under this part shall be applied to the student’s account for tuition and fees, and, in the case of institutionally owned housing, to room and board. Loan proceeds that remain after the application of the previous sentence shall be delivered to the borrower by check or other means that is payable to and requires the endorsement or other certification by such borrower. “(2) Payment periods.— The Secretary shall establish periods for the payments described in paragraph (1) in a manner consistent with payment of basic grants under subpart 1 of part A of this title. “(k) Fiscal Control and Fund Accountability.— “(1) In general.— (A) An institution shall maintain financial records in a manner consistent with records maintained for other programs under this title. “(B) Except as otherwise required by regulations of the Secretary, or in a notice under section 457(a)(1), an institution may maintain loan funds under this part in the same account as other Federal student financial assistance. “(2) Payments and refunds.— Payments and refunds shall be reconciled in a manner consistent with the manner set forth for the submission of a payment summary report required of institutions participating in the program under subpart 1 of part A except that nothing in this paragraph shall prevent such reconciliations on a monthly basis. “(3) Transaction histories.— All transaction histories under this part shall be maintained using the same system designated by the Secretary for the provision of basic grants under subpart 1 of part A of this title. “SEC. 456. CONTRACTS. “(a) Contracts for Supplies and Services.— “(1) In general.— The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, award contracts for origination, servicing, and collection described in subsection (b). In awarding such contracts, the Secretary shall ensure that such services and supplies are provided at competitive prices. “(2) Entities.— The entities with which the Secretary may enter into contracts shall include only entities which the Secretary determines are qualified to provide such services and supplies and will comply with the procedures applicable to the award of such contracts. In the case of awarding contracts for the origination, servicing, and collection of loans under this part, the Secretary shall enter into contracts only with entities that have extensive and relevant experience and demonstrated effectiveness. The entities with which the Secretary may enter into such contracts shall include, where practicable, agencies with agreements with the Secretary under sections 428(b) and (c), if such agencies meet the qualifications as determined by the Secretary under this subsection and if those agencies have such experience and demonstrated effectiveness. In awarding contracts to such State agencies, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable and consistent with the purposes of this part, give special consideration to State agencies with a history of high quality performance to perform services for institutions of higher education within their State. “(3) Rule of construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation of the authority of any State agency to enter into an agreement for the purposes of this section as a member of a consortium of State agencies. “(b) Contracts for Origination, Servicing, and Data Systems.— The Secretary may enter into contracts for— “(1) the alternative origination of loans to students attending institutions of higher education with agreements to participate in the program under this part (or their parents), if such institutions do not have agreements with the Secretary under section 454(b); “(2) the servicing and collection of loans made under this part; “(3) the establishment and operation of 1 or more data systems for the maintenance of records on all loans made under this part; “(4) services to assist in the orderly transition from the loan programs under part B to the direct student loan program under this part; and “(5) such other aspects of the direct student loan program as the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure the successful operation of the program. “SEC. 457. REGULATORY ACTIVITIES. “(a) Notice in Lieu of Regulations for First Year of Program.— “(1) Federal Register, publication. Notice in lieu of regulations for first year of program.— The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register whatever standards, criteria, and procedures, consistent with the provisions of this part, the Secretary, in consultation with members of the higher education community, determines are reasonable and necessary tn the successful implementation of the first year of the direct student loan program authorized by this part. Section 431 of the General Education Provisions Act shall not apply to the publication of such standards, criteria, and procedures. “(2) Negotiated rulemaking.— Beginning with academic year 1995–1996, all standards, criteria, procedures, and regulations implementing this part as amended by the Student Loan Reform Act of 1993 shall, to the extent practicable, be subject to negotiated rulemaking, including all such standards, criteria, procedures, and regulations promulgated from the date of enactment of such Act. “(b) Closing Date for Applications From Institutions.— The Secretary shall establish a date not later than October 1, 1993, as the closing date for receiving applications from institutions of higher education desiring to participate in the first year of the direct loan program under this part. “(c) Publication of List of Participating Institutions.— Not later than January 1, 1994, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of the institutions of higher education selected to participate in the first year of the direct loan program under this part. “SEC. 458. FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. “(a) In General.— Each fiscal year, there shall be available to the Secretary of Education from funds available pursuant to section 422(g) and from funds not otherwise appropriated, funds to be obligated for administrative costs under this part, including the costs of the transition from the loan programs under part B to the direct student loan programs under this part (including the costs of annually assessing the program under this part and the progress of the transition) and transition support (including administrative costs) for the expenses of guaranty agencies in servicing outstanding loans in their portfolios and in guaranteeing new loans, not to exceed (from such funds not otherwise appropriated) $260,000,000 in fiscal year 1994, $345,000,000 in fiscal year 1995, $550,000,000 in fiscal year 1996, $595,000,000 in fiscal year 1997, and $750,000,000 in fiscal year 1998. If in any fiscal year the Secretary determines that additional funds for administrative expenses are needed as a result of such transition or the expansion of the direct student loan programs under this part, the Secretary is authorized to use funds available under this section for a subsequent fiscal year for such expenses, except that the total expenditures by the Secretary (from such funds not otherwise appropriated) shall not exceed $2,500,000,000 in fiscal years 1994 through 1998. The Secretary is also authorized to carry over funds available under this section to a subsequent fiscal year. “(b) Availability.— Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. “(c) Budget Justification.— No funds may be expended under this section unless the Secretary includes in the Department of Education’s annual budget justification to Congress a detailed description of the specific activities for which the funds made available by this section have been used in the prior and current years (if applicable), the activities and costs planned for the budget year, and the projection of activities and costs for each remaining year for which administrative expenses under this section are made available. “(d) Notification.— In the event the Secretary finds it necessary to use the authority provided to the Secretary under subsection (a) to draw funds for administrative expenses from a future year’s funds, no funds may be expended under this section unless the Secretary immediately notifies the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and of the House of Representatives, and the Labor and Human Resources Committee of the Senate and the Education and Labor Committee of the House of Representatives, of such action and explain the reasons for such action.”.

  5. SAFRA Act

    Pub. L. 111–152 § 2210(a)(1) · 124 Stat.1029

    1. Redesignated · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(a)(4)(7)

      Pub. L. 111–152, § 2210(a)(1), redesignated pars. (5) to (7) as (4) to (6), respectively

    2. Struck · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(a)(4)(7)

      Pub. L. 111–152, § 2210(a)(1), struck out former par. (4), which read as follows: “provide that students at the institution and their parents (with respect to such students) will be eligible to participate in the programs under part B of this subchapter at the discretion of the Secretary for the period during which such institution participates in the direct student loan program under this part, except that a student or parent may not receive loans under both this part and part B of this subchapter for the same period of enrollment;”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(4) to (7). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2210(a)(1), redesignated pars. (5) to (7) as (4) to (6), respectively, and struck out former par. (4), which read as follows: “provide that students at the institution and their parents (with respect to such students) will be eligible to participate in the programs under part B of this subchapter at the discretion of the Secretary for the period during which such institution participates in the direct student loan program under this part, except that a student or parent may not receive loans under both this part and part B of this subchapter for the same period of enrollment;”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (4); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (7) as paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively; and

  6. SAFRA Act

    Pub. L. 111–152 § 2210(a)(2) · 124 Stat.1029

    Substituted · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(b)(2)

    Pub. L. 111–152, § 2210(a)(2), substituted “(5), and (6)” for “(5), (6), and (7)”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2210(a)(2), substituted “(5), and (6)” for “(5), (6), and (7)”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking “(5), (6), and (7)” and inserting “(5), and (6)”.

  7. Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021

    Pub. L. 116–260 div. FF title VII § 704(1) · 134 Stat. 1182

    Substituted · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(a)(1)(B)

    Pub. L. 116–260 substituted “the student aid index” for “the expected family contribution”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–260 substituted “the student aid index” for “the expected family contribution”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    Sec. 704. No Contracts. funds appropriated by this Act may be used to pay negotiated indirect cost rates on cooperative agreements or similar arrangements between the United States Department of Agriculture and nonprofit institutions in excess of 10 percent of the total direct cost of the agreement when the purpose of such cooperative arrangements is to carry out programs of mutual interest between the two parties. This does not preclude appropriate payment of indirect costs on grants and contracts with such institutions when such indirect costs are computed on a similar basis for all agencies for which appropriations are provided in this Act.

    Effective date note
    Amendment by Pub. L. 116–260 effective July 1, 2024, except as otherwise expressly provided, and applicable with respect to award year 2024–2025 and each subsequent award year, as determined under this chapter, see section 701(b) of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

  8. Pub. L. 119–21 § 84001(1) · 139 Stat. 353

    1. Added · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(a)(6); 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(a)(7)

      Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(1), added par. (6)

    2. Redesignated · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(a)(6); 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(a)(7)

      Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(1), redesignated former par. (6) as (7)

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 119–21 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(6), (7). Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(1), added par. (6) and redesignated former par. (6) as (7).

  9. Pub. L. 119–21 § 84001(2) · 139 Stat. 353

    Substituted · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(b)(2)

    Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(2), substituted “(6), and (7)” for “and (6)”

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 119–21 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(2), substituted “(6), and (7)” for “and (6)”.

  10. Pub. L. 119–21 § 84001(3) · 139 Stat. 353

    1. Added · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(c); 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(d)

      Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(3), (4), added subsec. (c)

    2. Redesignated · 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(c); 20 U.S.C. § 1087d(d)

      Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(3), (4), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d)

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 119–21 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(3), (4), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

9 of 15 references resolved to an enrolled provision · 1 partial · 5 unresolved

Editorial Notes

Amendments1987–2025 · 6 rounds

2025

Subsec. (a)(6), (7). Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(1), added par. (6) and redesignated former par. (6) as (7).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(2), substituted “(6), and (7)” for “and (6)”.

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 119–21, § 84001(3), (4), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

2020

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–260 substituted “the student aid index” for “the expected family contribution”.

2010

Subsec. (a)(4) to (7). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2210(a)(1), redesignated pars. (5) to (7) as (4) to (6), respectively, and struck out former par. (4), which read as follows: “provide that students at the institution and their parents (with respect to such students) will be eligible to participate in the programs under part B of this subchapter at the discretion of the Secretary for the period during which such institution participates in the direct student loan program under this part, except that a student or parent may not receive loans under both this part and part B of this subchapter for the same period of enrollment;”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2210(a)(2), substituted “(5), and (6)” for “(5), (6), and (7)”.

1993

Pub. L. 103–66 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to agreements with institutions, consisting of subsecs. (a) to (c), for former provisions relating to requirements of agreements, consisting of pars. (1) to (7).

1992

Pub. L. 102–325 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to requirements of agreements for former provisions relating to terms of loans under pilot program.

1987

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 100–50 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: “The interest rate on all such loans shall be the rate equal to the rate obtained for each calendar year (A) by computing the average of the bond equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such 3-month period preceding such year, and (B) by adding 3 percent to the resulting percent.”

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2020 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–260 effective , except as otherwise expressly provided, and applicable with respect to award year 2024–2025 and each subsequent award year, as determined under this chapter, see section 701(b) of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–152, title II, § 2210(b), , 124 Stat. 1078, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on .”

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–325 effective , see section 2 of Pub. L. 102–325, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–50 effective as if enacted as part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–498, see section 27 of Pub. L. 100–50, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Credits

1986–2025 · 7 acts
  1. 1986Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 454, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, § 404, , 100 Stat. 1438
  2. 1987amended Pub. L. 100–50, § 12, , 101 Stat. 348
  3. 1992Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, § 451, , 106 Stat. 571
  4. 1993Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, § 4021, , 107 Stat. 345
  5. 2010Pub. L. 111–152, title II, § 2210(a), , 124 Stat. 1078
  6. 2020Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title VII, § 704(1), , 134 Stat. 3199
  7. 2025Pub. L. 119–21, title VIII, § 84001, , 139 Stat. 353.
Show as published

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 454, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, § 404, , 100 Stat. 1438; amended Pub. L. 100–50, § 12, , 101 Stat. 348; Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, § 451, , 106 Stat. 571; Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, § 4021, , 107 Stat. 345; Pub. L. 111–152, title II, § 2210(a), , 124 Stat. 1078; Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title VII, § 704(1), , 134 Stat. 3199; Pub. L. 119–21, title VIII, § 84001, , 139 Stat. 353.)

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